Frequently Asked Questions about Marijuana

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Frequently Asked Questions about Marijuana

As the County of Ventura reviews and considers Proposition 64 and other information about how the new marijuana industry will be permitted locally and by the State, updates will be posted on this website. Please also check the links which are provided below for the latest information available from the State of California. The answers below are general and do not address specific legislative requirements or exceptions.

What immediate changes occurred with the passing of Proposition 64?

Personal recreational use: Adults 21 years or above are able to use recreational marijuana and grow marijuana for personal use. Marijuana use is not allowed in public places, and personal growing of marijuana is limited to six plants per residential dwelling/property.

Commercial marijuana cultivation, manufacturing or sales operations: There are no immediate impacts upon commercial marijuana activities; such activities continue to be prohibited in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County. Commercial cultivation, manufacturing, sales and distribution require a license from the County of Ventura and the State of California.

When will licenses for commercial marijuana activities be issued?

The County of Ventura has not yet determined whether it will allow such activities, nor has it established rules or regulations regarding permitting. The County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to review the matter at its December 6, 2016 meeting. The State is currently developing its regulations and is planning to begin accepting permit applications January 1, 2018.

If the County of Ventura doesn’t allow the commercial growing and selling of marijuana, can I buy marijuana from another county or a city?

Yes. Under Proposition 64, adults 21 years and older can buy and possess marijuana from a licensed facility. So marijuana purchased in another jurisdiction where commercial growing and/or sales are permitted can be used and possessed by an adult 21 years and older within Ventura County.

Do I need a license to grow marijuana for personal use?

No. Proposition 64 allows individuals to grow marijuana for personal use (up to six plants) without a license. However, Proposition 64 allows the County to establish additional restrictions and/or requirements for unincorporated areas. The County has not yet adopted any additional restrictions; however, it is recommended that residents periodically check the County’s website for any restrictions or additional requirements.

Can I sell homegrown marijuana plants or marijuana products to others?

No. Proposition 64 does not allow the sale of homegrown marijuana, whether whole plant, clippings, clones, or any product derived from any part of the plant.

What should I do if I am staying at an apartment complex or hotel and I smell marijuana from my neighbor’s unit?

Proposition 64 does not allow smoking marijuana in locations where smoking tobacco is prohibited. Contact the management company or the owner for any concerns related to marijuana use at the property.

What should I do if I smell marijuana from my neighbor’s house?

You may contact the local law enforcement agency or code enforcement agency for questions or concerns regarding marijuana use at private homes. However, Proposition 64 allows the use of marijuana within one’s private residence.

Can I smoke marijuana or consume marijuana products while driving?

No. Proposition 64 prohibits driving under the influence of marijuana. It also prohibits smoking or ingesting marijuana, or even possessing an open container or package of marijuana, while driving or riding in a motor vehicle.

Can I smoke marijuana or consume marijuana products in public places?

No. Proposition 64 does not allow smoking or ingesting marijuana in public places, which includes but not limited to hallways and lobbies of apartment buildings and hotels, on the street, in schools, amusement parks, public parks and places of business usually open to the general public.

Where can I buy marijuana for recreational use?

Currently, there are no retail or manufacturing businesses that have been approved for selling recreational marijuana in Ventura County.